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Virgin Australia Appoints Group Executive of Regional Operations

11/04/2013

Virgin Australia today announced the appointment of Merren McArthur to the newly created role of Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines. The appointment follows the scheme in relation to Virgin Australia’s acquisition of Skywest, becoming effective today.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said: “We are very pleased to have completed the transaction and to now be able to bring the Skywest business into the Virgin Australia Group.

I am delighted to announce Merren McArthur will take on the newly created role of Group Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines to drive our regional operations forward and grow our presence in important market segments such as the high growth fly-in-fly-out market and key regional areas across Australia.” Mr Borghetti said.

Merren brings a depth of experience to the role having led the Network and Alliances business in Virgin Australia during a period of substantial growth and transformation.

Since 2011, Merren has held the role of Group Executive Alliances, Network & Yield responsible for Revenue & Yield Management, Pricing, Network Planning, Scheduling and Alliances.She has been part of the Group Executive team for over five years including roles as Group Executive Corporate Advisory, General Counsel and Company Secretary. Prior to that she was Chief Advisor at Rio Tinto Iron Ore, based in Perth. She also has over 20 years’ experience in corporate and commercial law in both private practice and senior in-house roles.

Merren will be based in WA and will be tasked with ensuring a smooth integration of the two businesses. She will be responsible for the Virgin Australia Regional Airlines’ AOC and for growing Virgin Australia’s charter business and regional footprint.

“I am excited at the opportunity presented by the acquisition of Skywest, which will enable us to increase competition in regional Australia and to expand our presence in the growing resources sector.We recognise the success of Skywest’s charter business and will look to leverage and expand this across Australia. We believe there is a need for more competition on regional routes and our plan is to grow the current operations and expand our network to new destinations throughout Australia.” Ms McArthur said.